VOLUME 5/ ISSUE 3 CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME
Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a condition where the median nerve is compressed as it passes through a short tunnel at the wrist which is made up of ligaments. The tunnel contains the tendons that bend the fingers and thumb as well as the nerve. CTS commonly affects women in middle age but can occur at any age and in either sex. CTS is a common condition, however is thought to be more likely to occur during pregnancy, in diabetes, in thyroid problems and in rheumatoid arthritis sufferers. CTS may also be associated with swelling in the tunnel which may be caused by inflammation of the tendons, a fracture of the wrist and wrist arthritis. However in most cases, the cause is not identifiable.
The main symptom is altered feeling in the hand, affecting the thumb, index, middle and ring fingers, it is unusual for the little finger to be involved. Many people describe the altered feeling as tingling. Tingling is often worse at night or first thing in the morning. It may be provoked by activities that involve gripping an object, for example a mobile telephone or newspaper, especially if the hand is elevated. In the early stages the symptoms include intermittent tingling and or sensation changes in the hand. If the condition worsens, the altered feeling may become continuous, with numbness in the fingers and thumb together with weakness and wasting of the muscles at the base of the thumb. Sufferers often described a feeling of clumsiness and drop objects easily. In some cases, nerve conduction tests are needed to confirm the diagnosis. Blood tests and x-rays are sometimes required.
TREATMENT- Osteopathy can be a useful manual therapy to aid in the relief of CTS. Practitioners will be able to provide home exercises for the patient to continue to aid in relief of symptoms. Other non-surgical techniques include splints, especially worn at night, and steroid injection into the carpal tunnel. Or in unresolved cases surgery, which may be open and keyhole, which both involve cutting the carpal tunnel to reduce the pressure on the nerve.
EXERCISES FOR CARPEL TUNNEL
Carpel tunnel wrist exercises are all about encouraging stretch and movement around the ligaments and tendons of the wrist. These simple movements can aid in prevention, and early stage treatment, and during the mid and later stages post-surgery.
It is important to follow the guidance of the surgeon/consultant following surgery to ensure best practice is followed.
Contact details: for more information and advice Catherine Wasik BSc Hons Ost; BSc Hons MNIMHRegistered Osteopath and Medical Herbalist At George Morris Physiotherapy Clinics in Hindley and Ashton Direct line: 07828261152 email: catherine.w12@hotmail.com Website: www.herbalosteopathiclife.com
コメント